Late goal gives SAFFC all three points against Young Lions in S.League

Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports.

Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Saturday, June 27, 2009 – A late goal from Zulfadli Zainal Abidin gave Singapore Armed Forces FC (SAFFC) all three points and a 2-1 victory over the Young Lions to keep the pressure on league leaders Gombak United at the top of the S.League table.

SAFFC took the lead in the 22nd minute through Captain Aleksandar Duric, but Razaleigh Khalik undid SAFFC's good work with a looping clearance that was beyond Shahril Jantan's reach.

Just when it looked like both teams would share the points with only a minute left on the clock, Zulfadli Zainaal Abidin blasted the ball into an empty net after a goalkeeping error by Hyrulnizam Juma'at.

The first half belonged to SAFFC as they started the game strongly with John Wilkinson and Park Tae Won coming close on multiple occasions, forcing early saves from the Young Lions’ keeper Hyrulnizam Juma'at.

With the defending league champions showing glaring signs of taking the lead, it was no surprise when Aleksandar Duric scored the opener.

Duric took full advantage of his towering frame to chest down a high cross in the penalty area and with the easiest of touches, hit the ball past the onrushing Hyrulnizam to grab the lead.

The Warriors were far from content as they continued to harass Hyrulnizam's goal with Zulfadli Zainal Abidin and Mustaqim Manzur menacing down the flanks.

It took a stern challenge on the 27-year-old Mustaqim to put a stop to that.

A nasty collision with Young Lions’ Obadin Aikhena saw Mustaqim landing on the pitch with a loud thud. A substitution was immediately called upon as Mustaqim lay motionlessly on the field. Without their explosive winger down the right, SAFFC were unable to extend their lead and the half ended 1-0.

SAFFC started the second half eagerly with Park Tae Won slicing a free kick just wide from a good position. Zulfadli Zainal Abidin then let a wonderful opportunity slip. Despite being through on goal, Zulfadli’s final touch was too heavy as Hyrulnizam collected the ball comfortably.

Though SAFFC looked the more likely candidate to score again, it was instead the Young Lions who found the equaliser through the unlikeliest of sources.

A speculative cross from the right eluded everyone in the SAFFC box before finding the feet of SAFFC defender Razaleigh Khalik who was alone in the penalty area. Khalik had missed a crucial penalty during the shoot-out against Brunei DPMM FC in the League Cup final’s last week and his erratic form continued to show in this match.

Instead of clearing the ball away from his home goal, Khalik, who just turned 28 on Thursday, directed the ball towards his own goal. The ball looped over the out-stretched Shahril Jantan and would have been deemed a beautiful finish if was at the other end.

The equaliser seemed to spark the less experienced Young Lions into action as they started pushing for another goal just as SAFFC were struggling to string their passing game together.

Thai maestro Therdsak Chaiman, who was playing his first match after a long injury layoff, was reduced to a mere spectator in the second half.

With the clock ticking down, SAFFC pumped men forward allowing Shaiful Esah, John Wilkinson and Aleksandar Duric to take cracks at goal.

Duric attempted to mirror his first-half goal as he controlled a high ball perfectly, but his final touch was too heavy this time allowing Hyrulnizam to push the ball away.

The ball, however, found the feet of the onrushing Zulfadli Zainal Abidin, who simply followed through to blast the ball into the top corner of the unguarded net.

SAFFC survived the three minutes of added time to scoop up all three points.

Clearly elated with the 2-1 victory, Warriors coach Richard Bok said, "We did alright in the first half as we played according to what we wanted, which is move the ball down both flanks. In the second half, we couldn't do the same. When we scored an own goal, it gave confidence to the opposition, but we have three points which is very important."

He also commented on Therdsak Chaiman's comeback performance and Ahmad Latiff's injury.

"He (Therdsak) is very eager. In the first half, he was playing well, but in the second, he did not receive too many balls. With a few more games, he will be at his best. We also hope to welcome back Ahmad Latiff (hamstring injury) for the Woodlands Wellington game on Tuesday."

With the victory, SAFFC are second on the table, a point adrift Gombak United, who maintained top spot after a comfortable 2-1 victory over Home United.

Young Lions, on the other hand, are second from the bottom with a mere 11 points from 16 games.